Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, Per Administration Statement.
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The board of trustees of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to adopt a new name the Trump-Kennedy Center, as confirmed by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt reach new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt continued.
The planned renaming is likely to prove deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its founding and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Recent History of the Institution
Shortly after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump dismissed all the center's sitting board members and installed allies in their positions. The freshly appointed board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president was instrumental in securing approximately $257 million in congressional funding to finance significant upgrades and operational expenses at the historic venue.
Historical Roots
The concept for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. More details will be added as it becomes available.
